The 364-room hotel closed recently so that the renovation program could commence. The facility is expected to reopen in early 2003. Starwood officials report that the White-Plains-based hotelier signed a contract with Lampsa, S.A., (Lampsa Greek Hotels Co.) and will continue to manage the historic Hotel Grande Bretagne under Starwood's Luxury Banner Collection. Lampsa is a public Greek company that has owned the Grande Bretagne since 1874.
"Starwood Hotels and Resorts is extremely proud to have won the right to continue to manage this magnificent hotel," says Roeland Vos, president Europe, Africa and Middle East for Starwood. "We are absolutely convinced that the renovation and refurbishment program which we are about to embark upon with Lampsa, will restore the Grande Bretagne to its original splendor as Athens' most luxurious and prestigious hotel."
The historic Hotel Grande Bretagne is located at Constitution Square in downtown Athens. Upon re-opening, the hotel will feature 320 rooms including 35 suites and newly created areas such as a ballroom of approximately 4,450 sf, a health club and spa with an indoor pool along with a rooftop swimming pool, sun deck and restaurant overlooking the Acropolis, Starwood officials relate.
George Galanakis, chairman and managing director of Hyatt Greece, S.A., the largest shareholder in Lampsa, adds, "Starwood was selected after an international search for an operator. Given their experience and global network of luxury operations, and their willingness to make a significant investment in the project, Starwood was selected by the Board of Lampsa to lead this hotel back to its former glory. We are sure that together, we will create the best hotel not only in Athens, but also in Greece. We believe that the Grande Bretagne will be a hotel which the people of Athens will be very proud to have represent the country as its luxury host to the international celebrities and world leaders who will descend on Athens for the 2004 Olympics."
Galanakis adds, "Despite the present difficulties of the industry, Lampsa's decision to commit significant funds in the proposed renovation of this historic landmark property, indicates its confidence in the future of tourism in Greece in general and the city of Athens in particular."
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John Jordan
John Jordan is a veteran journalist with 36 years of print and digital media experience.
